Members of machinists and painters unions began picketing the Western Star manufacturing plant in Portland, Ore., on Monday after employees voted to reject a proposed three-year contract that had been recommended by management and union leadership.
Members of the Teamsters and Service Employees International unions approved their proposals but are also manning picket lines in support of the machinists and painters, said Joe Kear, a business representative for the District W24 Lodge of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
As of Tuesday, no talks were taking place between labor and management, Kear said.
Western Star is a unit of Daimler Trucks North America, which is also the parent company of Freightliner Trucks. Through May 31, Western Star’s U.S. retail sales were up 38.6% year-over-year, to 1,326 units.
“The Western Star Truck Manufacturing Plant unions did not unanimously ratify the contract offer extended by Daimler Trucks North America on June 28. DTNA considers the union negotiations process to be a confidential matter between the parties and has no further comment at this time,” the company said.
Kear said machinists rejected the contract because there has been a four-year wage freeze and increases in productivity of more than 20%, so they wanted more in wages and fringe benefits.
